Kuwait abides by resolutions on North Korea sanctions

In Reference to the reports by some news agencies on the presence of large numbers of North Korean labor in the State Kuwait and the continuation of granting visas to those workers by Kuwaiti authorities, an official source in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs categorically denied the existence of such numbers alleged by those media reports.

The official stressed that the State of Kuwait abides by the Security Council resolutions on the economic sanctions on North Korea.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs formed a national interagency committee, to coordinate financial and economic measures against North Korea, of which, the committee recommended taking a number of actions including the halting of direct flights to and from North Korea, stopping visa issuance for North Korean workers and halting issuance of commercial licenses and any commercial activities.

The actions also included stopping remittances to North Korea and the suspension of loans provided by the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development as well as halting all forms of shipment of goods from North Korea.

The measures taken also included the reduction of the number of North Korean diplomats working in Kuwait.

The statement concluded that the measures taken stem from the adherence of the State of Kuwait to its responsibilities in the framework of the international resolutions, as well as in line with its future obligations as a non-permanent member of the Security Council starting in 2018.

The source added that Kuwait is in constant contact with the relevant United Nations bodies and allies in order to brief them of all measures taken in this regard, which were supported and appreciated by all.